The Russian Orthodox Church marked a major milestone as Patriarch Kirill consecrated the restored Dormition Cathedral in the Tula Kremlin on June 28. The service celebrated the completion of a long-term restoration of one of Russia's most significant 18th-century church monuments, carried out ahead of the 500th anniversary of the Tula Kremlin. Patriarch Kirill led the Divine Liturgy, presented the cathedral with an icon of the Mother of God, honored those who contributed to the restoration, and offered prayers for Holy Rus'.
The Serbian Orthodox Church observed Vidovdan, one of the nation's most important spiritual and historical commemorations, honoring the 1389 Battle of Kosovo and the legacy of Saint Prince Lazar. Patriarch Porfirije celebrated the feast at Ravanica Monastery, emphasizing that Vidovdan calls believers to make daily moral choices rooted in faith rather than merely remembering history. The Serbian government also announced €6.5 million in funding to complete the construction of the Church of Saint Sava. Commemorative services were also held at Gračanica Monastery in Kosovo and at Gazimestan, where prayers were offered for those who died in the Battle of Kosovo.
The Bulgarian Orthodox Church celebrated the second anniversary of Patriarch Daniil's enthronement with festive services in Sofia. Reflecting on his ministry, Patriarch Daniil highlighted growing public confidence in the Church and continued support for religious education in schools. He also met with Bulgaria's prime minister to discuss cooperation between Church and state, youth education, and support for Bulgarian communities abroad. Patriarch Kirill of Moscow congratulated Patriarch Daniil and thanked him for his support of the bishops, clergy, and faithful of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church. In an anniversary interview, Patriarch Daniil stressed that the Church should remain faithful to the Gospel rather than become involved in geopolitical conflicts.
In Veria, Greece, the annual Pavleia 2026 celebrations concluded with an international theological conference dedicated to "The Apostle Paul and Baptism." Representatives of numerous Orthodox Churches discussed the theological significance of Baptism in the writings of Saint Paul and its relevance for contemporary Christian life. The celebrations concluded with a festive Divine Liturgy attended by delegations from Orthodox Churches across the world.
The Antiochian Orthodox Church launched a global digital map of its parishes through a new project called "Antiochian Reach," designed to provide an up-to-date overview of the Church's worldwide ministry. Meanwhile, in Ontario, Canada, church leaders blessed the site for the country's first Antiochian Orthodox monastery. Dedicated to the Transfiguration of the Lord, the future monastery is expected to serve as both a spiritual and pilgrimage center, reflecting continued growth of Orthodoxy in North America, particularly among younger people.
In Georgia, Catholicos-Patriarch Shio III blessed graduating high school students preparing for university entrance examinations, encouraging them to pursue education alongside spiritual values.
The Holy Synod of the Romanian Orthodox Church appointed three new bishops. Bishop Anthony of Bălți was named head of the Metropolis of Bessarabia following the resignation of its previous hierarch. Archimandrite Maxim (Drăguț) was elected auxiliary bishop for Italy with the title "Bishop of the Danube," while Archimandrite Iachint (Vărdianu) was elected auxiliary bishop for Australia and New Zealand with the title "Bishop of the Pacific."
The Orthodox Church in America released a special service of thanksgiving marking the 250th anniversary of the United States. The liturgical service will be celebrated throughout the jubilee year in parishes, monasteries, seminaries, and other church institutions across the country.
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What Should We Remember?
Olga Kutanina
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